By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Establishing a robust transportation network in an archipelagic nation is akin to solving puzzles, where filling gaping holes is crucial to complete the whole picture.
This was one of the endeavors that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. took upon assuming presidency in 2022, and was encapsulated in his administration’s “Build Better More” initiative.
Among the numerous projects under President Marcos’ flagship infrastructure program is the 541 meter Nalil-Sikkiat Bridge No. 1, which is already 96 percent complete as of press time.
“The Nalil-Sikkiat Bridge, along with its sister projects—the Tongsinah-Paniongan Bridge No. 2 and the Malassa-Lupa Pila Bridge No. 3 in Tawi-Tawi—represents one of the most significant infrastructure support initiatives of the national government in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM),” Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Senior Undersecretary Emil Sadain said in a statement on May 23.
“These bridges are more than just structures of physical connectivity; they stand as powerful symbols of the government’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling Mindanao’s long-held promise by unlocking its vast economic potential through modern, inclusive infrastructure,” he added.
The ₱1.08 billion project features a 380.8-meter bridge and a 160-meter approach road. It is being implemented by the Unified Project Management Office – Roads Management Cluster II (UPMO-RMC II), under the leadership of Project Director Teresita V. Bauzon with Project Manager Ernante Antonio as project in-charge, and China Wuyi Co., Ltd. as contractor.
Meanwhile, other bridges in Tawi-tawi that are currently under construction include the Makassa-Lupa Pila Bridge No. 3, which connects Sanga-Sanga Island to mainland Tawi-tawi.
As of press time, the bridge is already 72 percent complete, with ongoing bored piling and fabrication works.
The Tongsinah-Paniongan Bridge No. 2, a 570-meter structure connecting Pababag Island to Sanga-Sanga Island, is in the early phase of civil works, including bored piling and equipment mobilization.
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